The Return

Two-hundred years after a global nuclear war, two explorers from a research outpost, that largely survived the cataclysm, discover a settlement of humans who have managed to maintain their civilisation despite ferocious cannibal neighbours, the Scowrers. However, the explorers must turn detective in order to understand the mystery of their hosts philosophy and religion. (Description by Reynard)

First Page:

Transcriber's Note:

This etext was produced from The Science Fictional Sherlock Holmes, 1960. Extensive research did not uncover any evidence that the U.S. copyright on this publication was renewed.

THE RETURN

by

H. Beam Piper and John J. McGuire

I

Altamont cast a quick, routine glance at the instrument panels and then looked down through the transparent nose of the helicopter at the yellow brown river five hundred feet below. Next he scraped the last morsel from his plate and ate it.

"What did you make this out of, Jim?" he asked. "I hope you kept notes while you were concocting it. It's good."

"The two smoked pork chops left over from yesterday evening," Loudons said, "and that bowl of rice that's been taking up space in the refrigerator the last couple of days, together with a little egg powder and some milk. I ground the chops up and mixed them with the rice and other stuff... Continue reading book >>

Reviewer:k.gervascio - November 5, 2016Subject:The ReturnSo very well read and good story....love the end !

Reviewer:andy wogan - December 6, 2014Subject:The ReturnHa Ha Enjoyed this thoroughly. Being English I was surprised to hear a strong Brit accent reading an American book but he did a good job to my ears anyway Nice ending.

Reviewer:Casi - June 28, 2013Wonderful action filled mystery of a time after a great war. Cute and slightly twisted ending.